Members' Meeting Held Today

The no-name group chaired another Members' Meeting today at 1:30 in the clubhouse. It was standing room only. The group which claims to be bringing harmony back to the park presented prepared statements by four of its leaders, Betty Ridge, Rose Reis, Paul McCumber, and Tim Reynolds. No comments were allowed while they were speaking.

The floor was then opened for comments, and the usual guys spoke general comments and concerns, after Betty's stern warning not to discuss anything on a personal level. There were relatively few comments made, so the presenters were back at it again, with comments more closely leveled at "the Board" and the recent budget passed. Their written statements were already done, so this time, comments were a little more emotional and accusatory.

I wasn't writing minutes, (I doubt anyone was), but sometime soon, Paul leveled a direct question at Ron Herb, the Board VP. Ron stood and answered the question, saying that he didn't want to speak at this meeting, but he answered what he was asked. More "leader" comments ensued, and finally Ron walked to the front, took the mic and addressed the topic at length. While he was speaking, he was continually barraged with verbal interruptions by one or both of the female presenters. (I couldn't see behind the column.) From my seat I hollered as loud as I could "LET HIM SPEAK!" (I am sure that the right ear of the man sitting next to me is ringing tonight.)

Several times throughout the afternoon, Ron stood up to answer what became increasingly more pointed and direct accusations, questions, and comments. As he took charge, even commanding an interruptor to "Be quiet, and let me speak!", Ron demonstrated his knowledge of Board activities, and his leadership skills. He answered, without the benefit of a prepared written statement, many concerns, and even though he began to lose his temper a little, he never lost his dignity nor his respect of the assembly before him. I think he could make a very fine Board President.

As a shareholder, and a new Board member, I agree with many of the concerns which were voiced today. I acknowledge that communication IS necessary between the Board and the residents, and even among the Board itself. No one person or Committee should run the park, and make the decisions, and spend all that money, without some kind of dialogue going on. Open discussions, committee meetings, Town Halls, whatever it takes.

I think the four leaders, who find fault with the Board and the budget, should place themselves on the ballot as candidates immediately, if all conditions are met. You know why? They found a solution! They presented their issues, and got people together and talking. Not necessarily agreeing, just communicating. I would welcome any of them on the Board, more than those others who just like to criticize, and contribute nothing.

Members Meeting Jan 5

Thank you to all the people who attended the meeting of the members on Jan 5. There were approximately 130 people who attended.

I was asked to preside over the meeting to give everyone an update of what was trying to be done to help our park.

It was a wonderful meeting and many people were surprised that this was not a group causing problems but in fact trying to help solve the problems and we also attempted to put aside rumors that were not true. We were able to put to rest 3 rumors that are just not true.

Rose has worked very hard to try and get the money/budget situation under control. Paul also has helped with this and gave a presentation of the problems.

What a great group of people that attended that meeting.

There will be other Update sessions in the future.

Betty